Method for facilitating multiple fields of motion in using a computer pointing device

ABSTRACT

A hand support device for use with a computer pointing device relieves repetitive motion stress and includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface includes: a palm support region, that is an inclined planar surface; a little finger support portion extending from the palm support region; a thumb support region extending from the palm support region; a front index positioned on a side of the palm support region, and between the little finger and thumb support regions; and a side index adjacent to and extending from the palm support and thumb support regions. The bottom surface facilitates sliding of the hand support device on a work surface. The hand support device reduces stress and risk of injuries resulted from repetitive motions by encouraging the user of a computer pointing device to employ two fields of motion to control the pointing device. The user engages the fingers, the hand, and the wrist to make fine movements while holding the hand support device stationary. The user moves the computer pointing device and the hand support device in unison with the arm and shoulder when making coarse movements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to devices for minimizing work-relatedinjuries caused by the use of computers and particularly to a handsupport for use with a computer pointing device such as a computermouse.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known that the extended use of a computer pointing device,such as a computer mouse, can cause a computer user to suffer fromcumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or repetitive strain injuries (RSI).Computer users can often be afflicted with pains in the hands and thewrists caused by excessive wrist movements such as flexion andhyper-extension of the wrist. Computer users can also suffer fromsoreness and fatigue in the shoulders and the necks due to excessive armand shoulder motions associated with use of computer pointing devices.

Long period of repetitive motion associated with the use of the computermouse coupled with incorrect hand posture while using the mouse maycause disorders in the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and neck, such ascarpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the numbness, tinglingand loss of strength of the hand and wrist, and is caused by stress onthe wrist induced by repetitive wrist and finger motions. Repetitivestress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can be disabling andare costly, both in terms of medical expenses and in terms of lost worktime.

The prior art includes several support devices that were used inconjunction with the computer pointing device, such as a computer mouse,to reduce the stress and risk of injury associated with the frequent andrepetitive motion necessary in the use of the computer mouse. Asdescribed more completely below, typical support devices includestationary or movable apparatus supporting the hand, the wrist or thepalm.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,020 to Smith et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,655 toGarcia et al. disclose examples of stationary wrist support devices,also called wrist rests. Wrist rests are typically pads placed in frontof the keyboard or the mouse. The height of the pad is selected tosupport the wrist so as to elevate the hand to be level with theforearm. Wrist rests alleviate the stress on the wrist by avoidingprolonged bending up and down of the wrist.

Stationary wrist rests as those disclosed in Smith et al. and Garcia etal. have a number of disadvantages. Studies have shown that pressure onthe underside of the wrist can irritate wrist tissue and increase therisk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, wrist rests do not protectthe wrist from excessive side to side bending which can cause injuriesto the tendons in the wrist. Thus, stationary wrist rests are not asatisfactory means to protect computer users from repetitive stressinjuries.

Other types of stationary support devices include the palm restdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,407 to Rice. The stationary palm restdisclosed by Rice involves resting the palm on a raised support where arecess underneath the support permits the mouse to be slid in and underthe support. The stationary palm rest disclosed by Rice has severaldisadvantages. The stationary palm rest raises the hand slightly abovethe mouse, making it more difficult for the user to control the mousefor fine movements. Typically, a stationary palm rest such as thatdisclosed by Rice requires the use of only the wrist to move the mouse.The arm and shoulder cannot be effectively used.

Since users often times have limited desktop space, another disadvantageof the stationary wrist rest or palm rest devices disclosed above isthat these devices tend to require large amount of desktop space.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,845 to Moore discloses a computer mouse supporthaving an upwardly inclined orientation. The mouse support attempts tocomplement the normal angle of a user's arm during the operation of themouse. One disadvantage of the mouse support device disclosed by Mooreis that the mouse support comprises a wrist/palm support member whichcan irritate the wrist and injure wrist tissue. As discussed above, awrist support, that applies pressure to the wrist, is now deemed aninvalid way of preventing repetitive stress injuries.

Besides the stationary support devices described above, prior artsupport devices include movable apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,647 toRice discloses an example of a movable hand support also called a palmrest. Movable palm rests such as that disclosed by the Rice '647 patenttend to fall over easily during use. In addition, existing movable palmrests are particularly inconvenient when the user needs to move betweenthe keyboard and the mouse frequently. Because the movable palm resttends to be bulky, the user usually cannot locate the palm rest withoutstopping and visually searching for the device. The need to visuallysearch for the palm rest whenever the user reaches for the mouse and thepalm rest is cumbersome and impedes productivity. Also, the movable palmrest such as that disclosed by the Rice '647 patent has otherdisadvantages. This type of palm rest position the user's hand above themouse. Because the hand is raised above the mouse with this type ofmovable palm rests, it is more difficult for the user to control themouse to make minute and precise mouse movements. Therefore, movablepalm rests as those disclosed by the Rice '647 patent are not suitablefor users who perform graphics intensive work. Moreover, the height ofthe movable palm rest makes it difficult for the user to control themouse with the fingers and the hand; therefore, the user tends to dependon the arm and shoulder to make the mouse movement, much like the devicedisclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,067 to Martin et al. that is describedmore completely below.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,067 to Martin et al. discloses a movable hand andwrist support 110 for computer mouse 112 as shown in FIG. 1. Support 110holds mouse 112 within a retainer 114. The user rests hand 113 onsupport 110 such that hand 113 is on the same plane as mouse 112.

Movable hand and wrist support 110 that is disclosed by Martin et al.has several disadvantages. First, support 110 has a raised area 116 nearthe center of support 110 intended to apply gentle pressure on the palmof hand 113. As mentioned previously in reference to palm rests,applying pressure to the center of the palm can cause carpal tunnelsyndrome and is highly undesirable. Second, fine mouse movements aremade more difficult because the user must move mouse 112 and supporttogether 110. Third, support 110 does not maintain hand 113 in a neutralposition because the user has to twist his/her wrist to place hand 113on the flat surface of support 110.

In addition to the disadvantages described above, prior art supportdevices are not satisfactory because such devices tend to force the userto focus movement of the user's hand and shoulder in one field of motiononly. Stationary palm rests restrict arm and shoulder movement and forcethe user to move the wrist only in manipulating the mouse. The movablewrist/hand support disclosed by Martin et al. completely eliminateswrist motion, thereby forcing the user to move the arm and shoulderexclusively in manipulating the mouse. Extended and repetitive motionsfocused on either the wrist or the shoulder can cause cumulative traumadisorders.

Accordingly, there is a need for a support device for use with computerpointing devices, such as a computer mouse, which can reduce stress andhelps to prevent injuries while not impeding the productivity of thecomputer users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principles of this invention, an ergonomic hand supportdevice reduces stress and helps to prevent cumulative trauma disorderwhen used in conjunction with a computer pointing device such as acomputer mouse. The ergonomic hand support device does not compromisethe productivity of a computer user. For example, the ergonomic handsupport device facilitates the user moving his/her hand from a computerkeyboard to a proper position with respect to the computer pointingdevice without looking at either the ergonomic hand support device orthe computer pointing device. Therefore, delays associated withinterpreting work and visually seeking the location of the ergonomichand support device and the computer pointing device are greatly reducedor eliminated.

The ergonomic hand support device of the invention keeps the hand in aneutral position which imitates the natural roll of the hand, the wristand the forearm, and therefore minimizes stress and fatigue while usingthe computer pointing device. In addition, the ergonomic hand supportdevice positions the hand in the same plane and as close as possible tothe computer pointing device which in turn allows the user to easilymanipulate the computer pointing device. The ergonomic hand supportdevice is not only compact and inexpensive, but also is adaptable to anexisting desktop and does not take up too much desktop space. Hence, theergonomic hand support device of this invention overcomes theshortcomings of the prior art hand support devices described above.

A significant ergonomic feature of the ergonomic hand support device isthat the device facilitates two fields of motion. In a first field ofmotion, the fingers, the hand, and the wrist are used to move thecomputer pointing device, and in a second field of motion, the arm andshoulder are used to move the computer pointing device and the ergonomichand support device in unison. The two fields of motion preventexcessive use of a particular muscle group which in turn reduces thelikelihood of injury associated with repetitive stresses and motions ofthat particular muscle group.

A first surface of the ergonomic hand support device, e.g., a topsurface, includes a palm support region. A little finger support regionextends from the palm support region. A thumb support region alsoextends from the palm support region. The thumb support region and thelittle finger support region are positioned with respect to the palmsupport region so that when a user's palm rests on the palm supportregion, the user's little finger curls around the little finger supportregion, and the thumb can grasp the computer pointing device, i.e., thelittle finger and thumb are in a natural ergonomic position for the palmresting on a flat surface.

Hence, the thumb support region and the little finger support region areergonomically positioned with respect to the palm support region. In oneembodiment, to facilitate the ergonomic positioning of the hand, thepalm support region has a slope in a direction from the little fingersupport region to the thumb support region.

In addition to the ergonomic positioning, the thumb support region andthe little finger support region define an opening positioned betweenthe thumb support and little finger support regions. Hence, a positionof the thumb support region and a position of the little finger supportregion also are selected to provide a size of the opening to permit thecomputer pointing device to be moved within the opening.

The opening has a shape similar to a portion of the computer pointingdevice positioned in the opening, but the opening is larger than thecomputer pointing device and thereby permits a limited range of movementof the computer pointing device within the opening. The displacement ofthe computer pointing device in the opening, that can be accomplishedthrough motion of only the user's fingers, hand, and wrist, define afirst field of motion. The first field of motion permits small movementof the computer pointing device, which in turn results in fineadjustments of the cursor on the computer visual display.

The ergonomic hand support device has a second surface, opposite andremoved from the first surface, and a perimeter surface connecting thefirst surface to the second surface. A portion of the perimeter surface,that bounds the opening and that is between the thumb support region andthe little finger support region, is a control surface.

As the user manipulates the computer pointing device within the opening,the computer pointing device may contact a point on the control surface.A point of contract between the computer pointing device and the controlsurface defines a control point for the first field of motion. Hence,the control surface, between the finger and thumb support regions, hasone or more control points that confine the range of movement of thecomputer pointing device in the first field of motion.

When the user desires to make fine pointing device movements, the userkeeps the ergonomic hand support device stationary and utilizes thefingers, hand, and wrist to move the computer pointing device within theopening. Typically, for fine adjustments, the computer pointing deviceis separated from the control surface. When the user moves the computerpointing device so much that the device knocks against one of thecontrol points, the collision alerts the user that the range of finemovement has been reached and that the user must employ a second fieldof motion to move the computer pointing device further in thatdirection. In this manner, the ergonomic hand support device preventsexcessive side to side bending of the user's wrist.

When the cursor controlled by movement of the computer pointing devicemust be moved further than is permitted within the first field ofmotion, the user grasps the computer pointing device, and effortlesslyslides the combination of the ergonomic hand support device and thecomputer pointing device around a work surface. The ergonomic handsupport device of this invention facilitates synchronized movement ofthe ergonomic hand support device and the computer pointing device. Thedisplacements, that can be accomplished through motion of both theergonomic hand support device and the computer pointing device using thearm and shoulder muscles, define a second field of motion.

Thus, according to the principles of this invention, a method forfacilitating multiple fields of motion in using a computer pointingdevice includes:

separating a thumb support region and a little finger support region ofa hand support device by an opening wherein the opening limits movementof the computer pointing device to a first field of motion wherein thefirst field of motion is used for fine movement of the computer pointingdevice; and

shaping a surface of the hand support device to permit grasping thecomputer pointing device while resting a hand on the hand support deviceand then moving of the hand support device and the computer pointingdevice in unison within a second field of motion wherein the secondfield of motion is used for coarse movement of the computer pointingdevice.

The shaping includes extending the thumb support region and the littlefinger support region from a palm support region of the hand supportdevice where the palm support, little finger support, and thumb supportregions position a hand of a user resting on the hand support so thatthe user can grasp the computer pointing device and move the computerpointing device and the hand support device in unison within the secondfield of motion. The shaping also includes inclining the palm supportregion in a direction from the little finger support region to the thumbsupport region.

As explained above, in addition to the ergonomic features, the ergonomichand support device improves the efficiency of the user by eliminatingthe need to look at either the ergonomic hand support device, or thecomputer pointing device when placing a hand on the ergonomic handsupport device. As the user's hand moves over the ergonomic hand supportdevice, two tactile indices, a side index and a front index in oneembodiment, provide tactile reference points for properly positioningthe hand with respect to the computer pointing device. The combinationof the first and second tactile indices is what permits the user toproperly position the user's hand on the ergonomic hand support devicewithout looking at either of the two devices.

In general, the first and second tactile indices can be placed at anylocation on the first surface that does not interfere with the naturalpositioning of the hand and wrist; that does not place unnaturalpressures or stresses on the hand and wrist; and that guides the handinto the proper position with respect to the computer pointing device.The two tactile indices on the first surface are separated from eachother and orientated at an angle with respect to each other in oneembodiment. The angle is selected to ergonomically position the handwith respect to the computer pointing device.

In another embodiment, the two tactile indices are placed along oppositesides of the hand support device so that one extends from the thumb andpalm support regions, and the other extends from the little finger andpalm support regions. Further, a tactile index may extend only along apart of a side of the hand support device. Thus, the tactile indices maybe diagonally separated across the surface of the hand support device.When the indices extend along the two sides of the hand support device,there may be a small angle between the two indices, but in this case,the indices are said to be substantially parallel.

In one embodiment, a first tactile index is a side index extending fromthe thumb support region and the palm support region. The second tactileindex is a front index extending from a portion of the palm supportregion between the little finger support region and the thumb supportregion. The side index is shaped to push a user's hand toward thecomputer pointing device. The front index is positioned so that nopressure is exerted on a center of a user's palm resting on theergonomic hand support device.

The first surface of the ergonomic hand support device also has apressure relief edge surface extending from a portion of the palmsupport region opposite and removed from the opening to a portion of theperimeter surface. In one embodiment, the pressure relief edge surfaceis a convex surface.

In one embodiment, the second surface has a plurality of rails affixedthereto. The plurality of rails permits smooth movement of the ergonomicpointing device off and on any edge of the working surface. Each of theplurality of rails has a sliding surface and a beveled edge surface. Thebeveled edge surface surrounds the sliding surface and extends from thesliding surface to the second surface.

In another embodiment, an ergonomic hand support device includes:

a first surface having a thumb support region, a little finger supportregion, and a palm support region extending from the thumb supportregion and the little finger support region;

a second surface opposite and removed from the first surface; and

a perimeter surface connecting the first surface to the second surface,and extending between the little finger support region and the thumbsupport region to define a control surface of an opening positionedbetween the little finger support region and the thumb support region;

wherein the first surface extends over the control surface between thethumb support region and the little finger support region to create acomputer pointing device cavity.

The cavity permits sliding the computer pointing device underneath thehand support device. This places the user's fingers on the buttons ofthe computer pointing device naturally, and so minimizes injuriesassociated with extending the fingers to reach the buttons while keepingthe user's hand and wrist on the same plane as the computer pointingdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art movable hand and wristsupport for use with a computer mouse.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand support device in accordance withthe present invention shown in conjunction with a computer mouse.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the hand support device of FIG. 2used in conjunction with a computer mouse and supporting a computeruser's hand.

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the hand support device being usedas shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a rear side elevational view of the hand support device ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is the finger side elevational view of the hand support deviceof FIG. 2.

FIG. 6B is the finger side elevational view of a hand support devicewith a forward tilt at the little finger support region.

FIG. 6C is the finger side elevational view of a hand support devicewith a backward tilt at the little finger support region.

FIG. 7A is a thumb side elevational view of the hand support device ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 7B is a finger side elevational view of a hand support device witha forward tilt at the thumb support region.

FIG. 7C is a finger side elevational view of a hand support device witha backward tilt at the thumb support region.

FIG. 8A is a front side elevational view of the hand support device ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 8B is an expanded view of the curved bottom at the thumb supportregion of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9A is a top view of a hand support device in accordance with analternate embodiment of the present invention shown in conjunction witha computer mouse.

FIG. 9B is a front side elevational view of the hand support device ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a hand support device with texturedsurface.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the hand support device of FIG. 2 being usedwith a computer mouse.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a hand support device beingrestrained to the work surface with a tethering mechanism.

In the Figures, objects with the same reference numeral are the sameobject. Also, the Figures are not drawn to scale, and thecharacteristics described in the specification should be used todetermine the relative characteristics of features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the principles of this invention, an ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 reduces stress and helps to prevent cumulative traumadisorder when used in conjunction with a computer pointing device suchas a computer mouse 201. Ergonomic hand support device 210 does notcompromise the productivity of a computer user, because ergonomic handsupport device 210 permits the user to move his/her hand between thecomputer keyboard and mouse 201 smoothly without looking at mouse 201.Ergonomic hand support device 210 keeps the hand in a neutral positionwhich imitates the natural roll of the hand, the wrist and the forearm,minimizing stress and fatigue. In addition, ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 positions the hand in the same plane and as close as possibleto computer mouse 201 which in turn allows the user to easily manipulatecomputer mouse 201. Ergonomic hand support device 210 is not onlycompact and inexpensive, but also is adaptable to an existing desktopand does not take up too much desktop space.

A significant ergonomic feature of ergonomic hand support device 210 isthat device 210 facilitates two fields of motion. As explained morecompletely below, in a first field of motion, the fingers, the hand, andthe wrist are used, and in a second field of motion the arm and shoulderare used. Hence, the two fields of motion prevent excessive use of aparticular muscle group which in turn reduces the likelihood of injury.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic hand support device 210 inaccordance with the present invention shown in conjunction with computermouse 201. Herein, use of computer mouse 201 is illustrative only of onecomputer pointing device, and is not intended to limit the invention touse only with computer mouse 201.

When a user extends a hand to ergonomic hand support device 210, device210 guides the hand into the proper position for using computer mouse201. In particular, a side index 228, a first tactile index, isimmediately adjacent a thumb support region 224 and a palm supportregion 220 on a first surface 212, sometimes called top surface 212, ofergonomic hand support device 210. Side index 228 curves upwards, i.e.,curves in a first direction which in this embodiment is the Z direction,from thumb support region 224 and palm support region 220, and has anupper edge surface 228A that is elevated above thumb support region 224and palm support region 220. In this embodiment, the curvature fromthumb support region 224 and palm support region 220 to upper edgesurface 228A is concave. As the user's hand moves over ergonomic handsupport device 210, side index 228 provides a first tactile referencepoint for properly positioning the hand on ergonomic hand support device210 with respect to computer mouse 201.

Thumb support region 224 transitions into palm support region 220 offirst surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210, i.e., thumbsupport region 224 extends from palm support region 220. A portion 220Aof palm support region 220 closest to computer mouse 201, e.g., a sideof palm support region 220, is bounded by a front index 226, a secondtactile index. Front index 226 extends between thumb support region 224and a little finger support region 222 of first surface 212. Front index226 curves upwards, i.e., curves in the first direction, from palmsupport region 220, thumb support region 224, and little finger supportregion 222, and has an upper edge surface 226A that is elevated abovepalm support region 220, thumb support region 224, and little fingersupport region 222. In this embodiment, the curvature from palm supportregion 220 to upper edge surface 226A is convex. Unlike prior art device110 (FIG. 1), when a user's hand rests naturally on ergonomic handsupport device 210, front index 226 places no pressure on the center ofthe user's palm. Consequently, use of device 210 does not result inunnatural stresses being induced in the user's palm.

As the user's hand moves over ergonomic hand support device 210, frontindex 226 provides a second tactile reference point for properlypositioning the hand with respect to computer mouse 201. The combinationof the first and second tactile reference points permits the user toproperly position the user's hand on ergonomic hand support device 210without looking at either device 210 or mouse 201.

In general the first and second tactile indices can be placed at anylocation on surface 212 that does not interfere with the naturalpositioning of the hand and wrist; that does not place unnaturalpressures or stresses on the hand and wrist; and that guides the handonto computer mouse 201. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, indices 226 and 228are separated from each other and orientated at an angle with respect toeach other. The angle is selected to properly position the hand withrespect to computer mouse 201.

Alternatively, indices 226 and 228 could both be placed along oppositesides of device 210 so that one extends from thumb and palm supportregions 224 and 220, and the other extends from little finger and palmsupport regions 222, 220. (This embodiment is not illustrated, sincethose of skill in the art will understand how to construct an indexsimilar in shape to index 228 along the opposite side of device 210, andso a figure is not required to understand this alternative embodiment.)Further, indices 226 and 228 may extend only along a part of a side ofdevice 210. Thus, indices 226 and 228 may be diagonally separated acrosssurface 212 of device 210. When indices 226 and 228 extend along the twosides of device 210, there may be a small angle between the two indices,but in this case, the indices are said to be substantially parallel.

In FIG. 2, first surface 212 is inclined in a direction from littlefinger support region 222 to thumb support region 224, i.e., is inclinedin a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, andin this embodiment is the X direction. Thus, palm support region 220 isan inclined planar surface in this embodiment. The slope of the inclinedplanar surface is selected so that when the user's hand is placed onfirst surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210, the user's handand forearm are rolled into a neutral position that helps to minimizethe stress on the user's fingers, hand, and wrist.

Top surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210 includes yetanother ergonomic feature, a pressure relief edge surface 230. Pressurerelief edge surface 230 minimizes the pressure applied to the nerves,especially the median nerve, and to the circulatory system to and fromthe hand and the wrist when the user's hand is supported on ergonomichand support device 210.

Little finger support region 222 and thumb support region 224 extendsubstantially in a third direction, that is perpendicular to the firstand second directions, from palm support region 220, and define anopening 218 that frames a head portion 201A of computer mouse 201. Headportion 201A of computer mouse 201 is the portion of computer mouse 201removed from the mouse buttons.

The direction that regions 222 and 224 extend is dependent upon thecomputer pointing device utilized. In FIG. 2, regions 224 and 222 extendfrom palm support region 220 at an angle from the third direction and soare said to extend substantially in the third direction. Little fingersupport region 222 and thumb support region 224 facilitate properpositioning of the user's fingers and thumb for grasping computer mouse201.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of ergonomic hand support device 210used in conjunction with computer mouse 201 and supporting a computeruser's hand 302. When hand 302 is properly placed on ergonomic handsupport device 210, little finger support region 222 allows littlefinger 304 of user's hand 302 to curl in a relaxed position. Thumbsupport region 224 allows user's thumb 306 to grasp the side of mouse201. When supported by ergonomic hand support device 210, the user'shand 302 is in its neutral position, and on the same plane as computermouse 201 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Ergonomic hand support device 210also places the user's hand 302 close to and on the same plane ascomputer mouse 201 to allow precise control of mouse 201 for fine mousemovements.

Ergonomic hand support device 210 has a second surface 214, sometimescalled bottom surface 214, which is opposite and removed from firstsurface 212 in the first direction. Ergonomic hand support device 210also has a perimeter surface 216 joining first surface 212 and secondsurface 214 about the perimeter of ergonomic hand support device 210.Certain regions of perimeter surface 216 possess particularcharacteristics to achieve the features of the present invention and areindividually described below.

As just described, little finger support region 222 and thumb supportregion 224 extend substantially in the third direction from palm supportregion 220, and define opening 218. In this embodiment, opening 218extends from a second side of thumb support region 224 to a second sideof little finger support region 222. Opening 218 is positioned betweenregions 222 and 224. Hence, regions 222 and 224 are positioned not onlyto provide the ergonomic features described above but also arepositioned to define opening 218 that has a size P (See FIGS. 8A and9B.) so that computer mouse 201 can be moved within opening 218.

Opening 218 (FIG. 2) frames a head portion 201A of computer mouse 201.In this embodiment, opening 218 is curved to accommodate head portion201A of computer mouse 201. In general, the shape of opening 218 isselected to approximately mirror the shape of the computer pointingdevice that is accommodated. Unlike prior art device 110 that fit snuglyabout computer mouse 112, opening 218 is larger than computer mouse 201so that computer mouse 201 has a limited range of motion within opening218. Since the shape of opening 218 is selected to provide this limitedrange of motion, the shape of opening 218 may not be an exact mirrorimage of the computer pointing device.

In FIG. 2, this limited range of motion is in the second direction andis distance A1 plus distance B1. In addition, mouse 201 has a limitedrange of motion in the third direction, i.e., a distance C1. The limitedmovements of mouse 201 in the second and third directions areaccomplished using the motion of only the user's fingers, hand, andwrist. The displacements of the computer pointing device in the secondand third directions that can be accomplished through motion of only theuser's fingers, hand, and wrist define a first field of motion. Thefirst field of motion permits fine adjustments of the cursor, on thecomputer visual display, controlled by movement of computer mouse 201.Of course, as pointed out above, computer mouse 201 is illustrative onlyof one embodiment of a computer pointing device.

A portion of perimeter surface 216 between little finger support region222 and thumb support region 224 forms a control surface 217 (FIG. 8A).Surface 917 (FIG. 9B) is an alternative embodiment of the controlsurface. Control surface 217 bounds opening 218. As the user manipulatescomputer mouse 201 within opening 218, computer mouse 201 may contactcontrol surface 217. A point of contract between computer mouse 201 andcontrol surface 217 defines a control point for the first field ofmotion. Hence, control surface 217, between finger and thumb supportregions 222, 224, has one or more control points that confine the rangeof movement of computer mouse 201 in the first field of motion.Alternately, discrete projections can be placed on control surface 217so as to define a plurality of control points.

When the user desires to make fine mouse movements, the user keepsergonomic hand support device 210 stationary and utilizes the fingers,the hand, and the wrist to move mouse 201 within opening 218. Typically,for fine adjustments, computer mouse 201 is separated from controlsurface 217. When the user moves mouse 201 so much that mouse 201 knocksagainst one of the control points, the collision alerts the user thatthe range of fine movement is reached and the user must employ a secondfield of motion to move mouse 201 further in that direction. In thismanner, ergonomic hand support device 210 prevents excessive side toside bending of the user's wrist. As explained above, the user typicallykeeps ergonomic hand support device 210 stationary when making movementsin the first field of motion. Of course, in some situations, it ispossible for the user to move ergonomic hand support device 210 slightlyto make fine mouse movements as well.

When the cursor controlled by movement of computer mouse 201 must bemoved further than is permitted within the first field of motion, theuser grasps computer mouse 201, and effortlessly slides the combinationof ergonomic hand support device 210 and computer mouse 201 around worksurface 308 (FIG. 3A). While work surface 308 as shown in FIG. 3A is amouse pad, this is illustrative only and is not intended to limit theinvention to work only on a mouse pad. Ergonomic hand support device 210can be used on any other work surfaces.

Ergonomic hand support device 210 facilitates synchronized movement ofdevice 210 and computer mouse 201. The displacements in the second andthird directions, that can be accomplished through motion of bothergonomic hand support device 210 and computer mouse 201 using the armand shoulder muscles, define a second field of motion.

In this embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 has a plurality ofrails affixed to, or made integral with second surface 214. See FIGS.8A, 9B and 10 for example. The plurality of rails facilitates movementof computer mouse 201 in the second field of motion. The user graspscomputer mouse 201, and effortlessly slides ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 on the plurality of rails and computer mouse 201 around worksurface 308. The plurality of rails permits smooth movement of thecomputer mouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device 210 near the edgesof work surface 308, because none of the plurality of rails catch on theedges. Thus, if ergonomic hand support device 210 should slide off anyedge of work surface 308, the user merely slides ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 back unto work surface 308 without interruption of the motionof computer mouse 201.

With ergonomic hand support device 210, the user utilizes the user's armand shoulder to move both mouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device210 in unison when making coarse mouse movements. The coarse movement ofmouse 201 causes the cursor, on the computer visual display, to move tothe desired position.

Ergonomic hand support device 210 trains the computer user to employ twofields of motion in manipulating computer mouse 201. Consequently,ergonomic hand support device 210 reduces stress and risk of injuriesfrom repetitive motions by encouraging the user of a computer mouse toemploy two fields of motion to control the mouse.

As explained above, in the first field of motion, ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 remains stationary, and the computer user uses hand and wristmotion in making fine mouse movements. In the second field of motion,the computer user uses arm and shoulder motion to move both mouse 201and ergonomic hand support device 210 in unison for coarse mousemovements.

With the combined use of the two fields of motion, ergonomic handsupport device 210 advantageously causes the user to distribute theworkload evenly across the hand, the wrist, the arm and the shoulderwhen manipulating computer mouse 201. As a result, the user is affordedsmall rest breaks in the arm and shoulder areas when the fingers, handand wrist are used to make fine mouse adjustments. Conversely, the useris afforded small rest breaks in the hand area when the arm and shoulderare utilized to make coarse mouse movements.

While in this embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 is used withcomputer mouse 201, this is illustrative only and is not intended tolimit the invention to use with a computer mouse only. Ergonomic handsupport device 210 of this invention can be used in conjunction withother computer pointing devices in varying shapes and sizes includingkeyboards, trackballs, graphic tablets with pens and a graphic tabletmouse. In addition, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is for use withthe right hand, it is understood that those skilled in the art mayconstruct a mirror image of the embodiment shown to adapt ergonomic handsupport device 210 for use with the left hand.

As described above, ergonomic hand support device 210 has first surface212 opposite and removed from second surface 214 in the first direction.Perimeter surface 216 extends in the first direction and connects firstsurface 212 to second surface 214. The height of perimeter surface 216varies about the perimeter of device 210 and is selected, for example,to implement the sloped feature of ergonomic hand support device 210 aswell as other features of device 210. In addition, the height ofperimeter surface 216 and the height of the rails, that are describedmore completely below, define the height of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210.

The height of ergonomic hand support device 210 depends on the height ofthe computer pointing device. In general, the height of ergonomic handsupport device 210 is selected so that when the user's hand rests ondevice 210, the hand and wrist have the natural alignment illustrated inFIG. 3B. Specifically, the height of ergonomic hand support device 210is selected so that the user's hand 302 is in its neutral position, andon the same plane as computer mouse 201 when resting on device 210.

The ergonomic advantages of ergonomic hand support device 210, that aredescribed above, are a significant advance over the prior art devices.However, in the most detailed description that follows, furtherergonomic advantages are described. While the additional advantages aredescribed with respect to a specific embodiment, the embodiment isillustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention to thisparticular embodiment. The advantages are associated with the overallshape of ergonomic hand support device 210 and not with a particular setof dimensions. The following description of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 is oriented toward a computer mouse 201 such as the MICROSOFT(MICROSOFT is a registered U.S. trademark of Microsoft Inc.) Mouse, PartNo. 37964, available from Microsoft Inc., Redmond, Wash. Other computerpointing devices may have different dimensions.

FIG. 4 is a top view of ergonomic hand support device 210. As describedabove, little finger support 222 and thumb support region 224 frameopening 218. To facilitate proper positioning of the user's fingers andthumb for grasping computer mouse 201, dimensions B, C, D and F, whichdefine the spatial relationship and size of support regions 220, 222,224, are selected to place the user's fingers and the thumb in a relaxedposition to reduce stress.

Note that as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 4, in this embodiment, afirst centerline 351, extending substantially in the third direction,through little finger support region 222 and a second centerline 352,also extending substantially in the third direction, through thumbsupport region 224 are not exactly parallel to a centerline 353 of auser's wrist when the user's hand is placed on ergonomic hand supportdevice 210. The reason is that the natural position of the little fingerand the thumb are not parallel to the wrist but are at an angle. Theangles of the centerlines of regions 222 and 224 from the centerline ofthe user's wrist are selected so that when the user's hand is placed onergonomic hand support device 210, the thumb and little finger aresupported in their natural position when grasping mouse 201. See thedescription of FIG. 10 below for a further description of the anglebetween regions 222 and 224.

In this embodiment, palm support region 220 extends a first distance Fin the third direction from a line 401 extending in the second directionand tangent to rear edge surface 216A to a line 402 extending in thesecond direction and tangent to inner most point 218B of opening 218.Little finger support region 222 extends a second distance D from line402 to a line 403 extending in the second direction and tangent to a tip422A of ergonomic hand support device 210 and of little finger supportregion 222. Thumb support region 224 extends a third distance B fromline 402 to a line 404 extending in the second direction and tangent toa tip 424A of ergonomic hand support device 210 and of thumb supportregion 224. The width of ergonomic hand support device 210 is defined bya fourth distance C which extends in the second direction from theoutermost point of side index 228 to the outermost point of littlefinger support region 222.

Both length B and length D vary with hand size and are selected tosupport the thumb and little finger respectively just beyond themetacarpal joint and before the first joint. Length D of finger supportregion 222 is selected to permit the small finger to curl slightly overtip 422A in a relaxed position, and varies with hand size. Typically,length D ranges from about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 7.62 cm (3inches), and in one embodiment is 3.81 cm (1.5 inches). Length B ofthumb support region 224 is selected so the thumb may reach beyond end424A of thumb support region 224 to grasp mouse 201. Typically, length Branges from about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 5.08 cm (2 inches), andin the embodiment illustrated is 3.17 cm (1.25 inches). The separationbetween little finger and thumb support regions 222, 224 determines therange of the first field of motion and is further dependent upon thesize and shape of the computer pointing device used.

FIG. 5 is a rear side elevational view of ergonomic hand support device210 and further illustrates the inclined planar surface of palm supportregion 220, and height I of side index 228, i.e., the distance from thework surface to upper edge surface 228A of side index 228. Palm supportincline angle α1 denotes the slope of inclined planar surface of palmsupport region 220 from little finger support region 222 to thumbsupport region 224 in the second direction. This slope is determined bythe size of the user's hand and the shape of the computer mouse.Typically, palm support incline angle α1 ranges from about 1° to about30° and in the embodiment illustrated is 10°.

As described above, side index 228 serves as a reference point to assistthe user in placing the hand properly on ergonomic hand support device210. Side index 228 is designed to push the user's hand toward mouse 201and this forward thrust keeps ergonomic hand support device 210 inproper alignment with computer mouse 201. Typically, height I of sideindex 228 is in the range of about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 6.35 cm(2.5 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated, is 3.49 cm (1.375inches). In addition, side index 228 has a thickness H extending in thesecond direction from the outermost point of side index 228 to the baseof side index 228, where side index 228 transitions into palm supportregion 220 on top surface 212. Typically, thickness H of side index 228is in the range of about 0.16 cm (0.063 inches) to about 1.91 cm (0.75inches), and in the embodiment illustrated, is 0.95 cm (0.375 inches).

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, pressure relief edge surface 230 isan edge surface located at the rear of ergonomic hand support device210, opposite and removed from opening 218. Pressure relief edge surface230 intersects palm support region 220 about an arc 230A and alsointersects perimeter surface 216 at edge 216A. Pressure relief edgesurface 230 relieves the pressure applied to the heel of the user's palmwhen the user's palm rests on ergonomic hand support device 210. For thepurpose of this description, the heel of the user's palm is defined asthe portion of the palm where the median nerve and the circulatorysystem enter the hand.

In this embodiment, pressure relief edge surface 230 is defined by arc230A that is approximately symmetric about a line coincident with acenterline of the heel of the user's palm when the user's hand is placedon ergonomic hand support device 210. Pressure relief surface 230 is aconvex surface. Arc 230A can be a circular, parabolic, or ellipticalarc, or any other desired shape, and in this embodiment is an ellipticalarc. The maximum displacement of arc 230A from rear edge surface 216A inthe third direction is distance G (FIG. 4). The maximum height ofpressure relief edge surface 230, called the depth of pressure reliefedge surface 230, is denoted by distance J in FIG. 5.

Typically, distance G is in the range of about 0.25 cm (0.1 inches) toabout 5.72 cm (2.25 inches) and in the embodiment illustrated is 1.27 cm(0.5 inches). Distance J is in the range of about 0.25 cm (0.1 inches)to about 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated, is0.32 cm (0.125 inches).

FIG. 6A illustrates a little finger side elevational view of ergonomichand support device 210. Little finger support region 222 can be flat ina direction from rear 210A of device 210 to front 210B of device 210.Alternatively, region 222 can have a tilt either forward (FIG. 6B) orbackward (FIG. 6C) relative to front 210B of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210.

The angle of the tilt is determined by the size of the user's hand andthe shape of the computer mouse. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, finger sideforward tilt angle α4 denotes the slope of the forward tilt of fingersupport region 222. Typically, forward tilt angle α4 ranges from about0° to about 25°. Similarly, referring to FIG. 6C, finger side backwardtilt angle α5 denotes the slope of the backward tilt of finger supportregion 222. Typically, backward tilt angle α5 ranges from about 0° toabout 25°.

FIG. 7A illustrates a thumb side elevational view of ergonomic handsupport device 210. Thumb support region 224 can be flat in a directionfrom rear 210A of device 210 to front 210B of device 210. Alternatively,region 224 can have a tilt either forward (FIG. 7B) or backward (FIG.7C) relative to front 210B of ergonomic hand support device 210.

The angle of the tilt for thumb support region 224 varies depending onthe size of the user's hand and the shape of the computer mouse. Asillustrated in FIG. 7B, thumb side forward tilt angle α6 denotes theslope of the forward tilt of thumb support region 224. Typically,forward tilt angle α6 ranges from about 0° to about 25°. Similarly,referring to FIG. 7C, thumb side backward tilt angle α7 denotes theslope of the backward tilt of thumb support region 224. Typically,backward tilt angle α7 ranges from about 0° to about 25°.

Thumb support region 224 can be a planar surface or a curved surfacethat is defined by an arc β1, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, arcβ1 is shown in solid line while the edges of side index 228 and frontindex 226 are shown with a dotted line. The dotted line in FIG. 8B isintended to highlight the arc of the curved surface on thumb supportregion 224 and not to illustrate a hidden feature. Arc β1 has a radius Yranging from about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to an infinite radius, whichresults in the planar surface, and in the illustrated embodiment Y is0.95 cm (0.375 inches).

FIG. 7A further illustrates height K of side index 228 extending abovethumb and palm support regions 224, 220 to upper edge surface 228A.Typically, height K is in the range of about 0.25 cm (0.1 inches) toabout 1.52 cm (0.6 inches) and in the embodiment illustrated is 0.95 cm(0.375 inches).

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, which is a front side elevational view ofergonomic hand support device 210, front index 226 and side index 228are raised areas on top surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device210. As described above, front index 226 serves as a reference point toassist the user in placing the hand properly on ergonomic hand supportdevice 210. Furthermore, front index 226 provides a stop for the user'shand and is designed to place no pressure on the center of the palm.Front index 226 has a height M from the work surface to top edge 226B.Typically, height M is in the range of about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to4.45 cm (1.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 2.86 cm(1.125 inches). Referring to FIG. 4, front index 226 has a thickness Ein the third direction from line 402 to a line 407 extending in thesecond direction and tangent to the base of front index 226 where frontindex 226 transitions to palm support region 220 on top surface 212.Typically, thickness E is in the range of about 0.16 cm (0.063 inches)to 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 1.27 cm(0.5 inches).

FIG. 8A further illustrates the respective height of little fingersupport region 222 and thumb support region 224. Little finger supportregion 222 has a height L from the work surface to top surface 212 ofergonomic hand support device 210. Typically, height L is in the rangeof about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in theembodiment illustrated is 0.95 cm (0.375 inches). Thumb support region224 has a height N from the work surface to top surface 212 of ergonomichand support device 210. Typically, height N is in the range of about0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), and in the embodimentillustrated is 1.91 cm (0.75 inches).

In an alternate embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210A includesa mouse cavity 940 as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Mouse cavity 940is included when ergonomic hand support device 210A is adapted for usewith a computer mouse having longer and higher dimensions than typical.Mouse cavity 940 can also be advantageously employed when the user has asmaller hand or shorter fingers. By allowing the mouse to slide intomouse cavity 940, ergonomic hand support device 210A allows a userhaving a smaller hand or shorter fingers: to grasp the mouse withouthyper-extending the fingers; to control the movement of the mouse withinthe first field of motion; and to keep the user's hand in the same planeas the mouse.

As previously described a portion 917 of perimeter surface 916, thatextends between little finger support region 922 and thumb supportregion 924, and bounds an opening 918 that is defined by and positionedbetween regions 922 and 924, is control surface 917. Top surface 920 ofdevice 210A extends over opening 918 to form mouse cavity 940. Thus, inthis embodiment, part of control surface 917 is recessed under topsurface 920. Consequently, total control surface 970 includes not onlycontrol surface 917, but also the top surface 971 of cavity 940, whichis referred to an inner cavity surface 971. Inner cavity surface 971intersects control surface 917 in edge 973. In one embodiment, mousecavity 940 extends underneath front index 926 on top surface 920, and isshaped to allow the user to slide computer mouse 201 partiallyunderneath ergonomic hand support device 210A so that the mouse maycontact either the top surface of the cavity or one or more points oncontrol surface 917.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, dimensions O, P and Q define the size ofmouse cavity 940. All other characteristics of device 210A are similarto those described above. Mouse cavity 940 has a height O in the firstdirection from bottom surface 914 to near top edge 926B of front index926. Mouse cavity 940 has a width P in the second direction extendingfrom the inner side of little finger support region 922, represented byline 904, to the inner side of thumb support region 924, represented byline 905. Mouse cavity 940 has a depth Q in the third direction from aline 902 extending in the second direction and tangent to a rear 940A ofmouse cavity 940 to a line 906 extending in the second direction andtangent to point 918B.

Height O, width P and depth Q of mouse cavity 940 vary depending on theshape of the computer pointing device used with ergonomic hand supportdevice 210A, and are selected to permit the rear portion of computerpointing device, such as computer mouse 201 as illustrated in FIG. 9A,to slide into and move around within mouse cavity 940. The portion ofperimeter surface 916 defining the recess for mouse cavity 940 forms acontrol surface 917. Control surface 917 includes one or more controlpoints for confining the movement of mouse 201 within mouse cavity 940,thereby facilitating the first field of motion as previously described.

As described above and illustrated in FIG. 5, ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 is supported by a plurality of rails that, in the embodimentillustrated, includes a first rail 232 and a second rail 234. First andsecond rails 232, 234 are provided to facilitate the second field ofmotion. First and second rails 232, 234 are made of a material that haslow friction with the work surface, thereby allowing the user to moveergonomic hand support device 210 together with the computer mouseeasily and smoothly. First and second rails 232, 234 are designed toallow ergonomic hand support device 210 to glide smoothly on and off theedge of the work surface, such as a mouse pad. First and second rails232, 234 do not catch on the edges of the work surface when the userglides ergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the work surface.This is especially important when the work space is small and the usermay slide the computer mouse off any one of the edges of the worksurface while manipulating the mouse for coarse movements. First andsecond rails 232, 234 permit the user to glide ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 back onto the work surface easily without having to lift andreposition ergonomic hand support device 210, and independent of theedge of the work surface.

Specifically, first and second rails 232, 234 assist the user to glideergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the work surface whenlateral mouse motion causes device 210 to slip off one of the sides ofthe work surface. First and second rails 232, 234 also assist the userto glide ergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the work surfacewhen the rear of device 210 has slipped off the rear of the worksurface.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of ergonomic hand support device 210. Firstrail 232 on bottom surface 214 is positioned under thumb support region224 and palm support region 220. First rail 232 has a length T thatextends substantially the entire length of device 210. Length T of firstrail 232 is in the range from about 5.08 cm (2.0 inches) to about 10.67cm (4.2 inches), and in embodiment illustrated is 6.99 cm (2.75 inches).

Second rail 234 on bottom surface 214 is positioned under little fingersupport region 222 and palm support region 220. Second rail 234 has alength S that also extends substantially the entire length of device210. Length S also is in the range from about 5.08 cm (2.0 inches) toabout 10.67 cm (4.2 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 8.26cm (3.25 inches). A width W of first and second rails 232, 234 is in therange from about 0.332 cm (0.131 inches) to about 5.08 cm (2.0 inches)and in the illustrated embodiments 2.41 cm (0.95 inches). While in thisembodiment, first and second rails 232, 234 are elliptically shaped,this is not intended to limit the rails to an elliptical shape only. Therails may assume any shapes meeting the objective of the presentinvention.

Each of first and second rails 232, 234 has a sliding surface 236, and abeveled edge surface 238 extending from sliding surface 236 to bottomsurface 214. Sliding surface 236 has a width U in the range of about0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) and in theillustrated embodiment is 1.91 cm (0.75 inches). Sliding surface 236rises above bottom surface 214 a distance X in the first direction (FIG.5). Typically, thickness X ranges from about 0.01 cm (0.004 inches) toabout 0.95 cm (0.375 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 0.25cm (0.1 inches).

The bevel of beveled edge surface 238 of both first and second rails232, 234 is such that a perimeter of the rail in contact with bottomsurface 214 is greater than a perimeter of sliding surface 236. Bevelededge surface 238 of first and second rails 232, 234 helps the user toglide device 210 back onto the work surface when device 210 has slippedoff the work surface. Beveled edge surface 238 can have a width V in therange of about 0.015 cm (0.006 inches) to about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) andin the illustrated embodiment is 0.51 cm (0.2 inches).

In the illustrated embodiment, first and second rails 232, 234 arepositioned at an angle α8 to each other. Typically, angle α8 may rangefrom about 3° to 60° and in the illustrated embodiment is 30°. Angle α8also defines the angle between thumb support region 224 and littlefinger support region 222 for positioning the computer user's fingersand the thumb in a natural position.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, first and second rails 232, 234 eachhas a one-piece construction. First and second rails 232, 234 may beconstructed with several parts and may further have a crowning slidingsurface. The crown is used to cap the rail and function as slidingsurface 236. The crown may run the entire length or a partial length ofthe rail. The crown has an arc having a radius from about 0.25 cm (0.1inches) to 0.91 cm (0.36 inches).

While in the embodiment described above, ergonomic hand support device210 is supported by a plurality rails, this is illustrative only and isnot intended to limit the invention to rail support only. Bottom surface214 can be a flat, hard surface with beveled edge surfaces around theperimeter of bottom surface 214. Bottom surface 214 can also besupported by other sliding means such as wheels, rollers, or small pads.

The dimensions for one embodiment of ergonomic hand support device 210are summarized in TABLE 1. The reference characters in Table 1correspond to the reference characters designated in FIGS. 2 to 10. Itis understood that the dimensions for ergonomic hand support device 210can be adjusted appropriately to fit a user's hand size. In oneembodiment, three devices 210 are provided, one for a small hand, onefor an average hand, and one for a large hand. In this case, thedimensions are based on an average for each hand size. Alternatively,device 210 could be sized in a manner similar to gloves and then labeledwith a glove size. This would provide the user with a known measure toselect an appropriate device 210 for use from a plurality of differentsized devices.

In one embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 is constructed astwo separate pieces--a top piece and a base piece. However,alternatively, device 210 may be constructed in one-piece or withseveral parts connected together. The particular method of constructionis not essential so long as device 210 has the properties andcharacteristics described herein.

When ergonomic hand support device 210 is constructed from separateparts, it is understood that the parts can be connected together inmanners known to those skilled in the art, including mechanical lockingarrangement, use of VELCRO, glue, or other fastening materials. VELCROis a registered U.S. trademark of Velcro U.S.A. Inc. and is a syntheticmaterial having complemental parts which adhere to each other whenpressed together. It is further understood that when ergonomic handsupport device 210 is made of a top-base construction, the top piece maybe held to the base by means of gravity without having the top piecepermanently attached to the base.

Ergonomic hand support device 210 can be manufactured using wood, metal,plastic, rubber, or any other solid material. Ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 can be manufactured using techniques known to those skilledin the art, including injection molding, thermoforming, hand carving,milling technique, and other methods of fabricating plastics and rubbercompounds such as room temperature vulcanizing.

In the two piece embodiment and in general, top surface 212 of the toppiece of ergonomic hand support device 210 is a soft top surface. Thesoft top surface is constructed using any soft material such as foamrubber, fabric, plastic, or wood, or a combination of soft and hardmaterials. In an alternate embodiment, top surface 212 can be a hardsurface constructed of hard material such as plastic or rubber. In yetanother embodiment, top surface 212 can be a top surface of a volumefilled with liquid or a gas such as air.

In one embodiment, top surface 212 has a smooth surface. In an alternateembodiment shown in FIG. 11, top surface 1112 of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210B has a textured surface 1113. Textured surface 1113 canextend the entire surface area of top surface 1112 or it can be limitedto a portion of top surface 1112. Various textural designs are suitablefor textured surface 1113, including diamond shaped pattern, circles,lines, dotted squares, and other patterns. Textured surface 1113 isprovided to eliminate the discomfort associated with perspiration of thehand while using ergonomic hand support device 210B. Textured surface1113 helps reduce soreness and fatigue in the hand during extended useof the computer mouse. Textured surface 1113 also provides a positivecontact between the user's hand and ergonomic hand support device 210B.Lastly, textured surface 1113 gives ergonomic hand support device 210Ban aesthetically pleasing look.

The base piece defines the characteristics of bottom surface 214. Thebase piece is constructed of compounds such as plastic that are suitedfor injection molding. The base piece can be constructed using othermaterials described above.

When rails are used as in the embodiment described above, the rails canbe manufactured as part of bottom surface 214. The rails can also bemanufactured separately from bottom surface 214 and attached to bottomsurface 214 in manners known to those skilled in the art. The rails aremanufactured using materials with a low coefficient of friction such aspolyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable type of plastic to use is athermoplastic sold under the U.S. registered trademark DELRIN. Anothersuitable plastic to use is a fluorocarbon polymer sold under the U.S.registered trademark TEFLON. Both DELRIN and TEFLON are registered U.S.trademarks of E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co. However, any hardmaterial can be used including metal and ABS plastic.

As described above, ergonomic hand support device 210 is designed toallow fine movements over distances A1, B1, and C1 (FIG. 2) in the firstfield of motion. As shown in FIG. 12, distances A1, B1, and C1 are allequal and are represented as distance R which is the desired separationbetween mouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device 210. Typically,distance R ranges from about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to about 1.27 cm(0.5 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated R is 0.64 cm (0.25inches).

To further facilitate the first field of motion described above, curvedopening 218 can be constructed so that hand support device 210 ispositioned at an effective angle relative to mouse 201. Angle α9 (FIG.12) denotes the relative positioning of ergonomic hand support device210 with respect to mouse 201. Typically, angle α9 may range from 60° to120° and in the illustrated embodiment, angle α9 is 100°.

In an alternate embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210C canfurther include a tethering mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thetethering mechanism comprises a chain 1350 connected at one end to awork surface 1308 at connection point 1352. The other end of chain 1350is connected to any portion of perimeter surface 1316 of ergonomic handsupport device 210C that does not interfere with the operation of device210C. In FIG. 13, chain 1350 is connected to perimeter surface 1316underneath side index 1328 of device 210C at connection point 1351.Chain 1350 can be permanently attached or removably connected toconnection points 1351 and 1352. Chain 1350 can be anchored atconnection point 1352 to any one of several items on the work surface,including the mouse pad, the keyboard, the desk, or the computer. In oneembodiment, chain 1350 is a ball chain and connection points 1351, 1352are ball chain connectors. However, chain 1350 can be any suitableattachment means including a cable or a nylon cord. The tetheringmechanism restrains ergonomic hand support device 210C around theproximity of work surface 1308 to prevent theft of device 210C and toprevent device 210C from falling off work surface 1308.

This application is related to the following copending, commonly owned,and cofiled applications, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety:

1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/Xxx,xxx, entitled "AN ERGONOMICHAND SUPPORT FOR USE WITH A COMPUTER POINTING DEVICE," of William P.Hesley, filed on Aug. 15, 1997;

2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/Xxx,xxx, entitled "A METHOD FORGUIDING PLACEMENT OF A USER'S HAND ON A HAND SUPPORT DEVICE FOR ACOMPUTER POINTING DEVICE," of William P. Hesley, filed on Aug. 15, 1997.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to oneembodiment, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes maybe made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

                  TABLE 1    ______________________________________    DIMENSIONS FOR THE ERGONOMIC HAND SUPPORT DEVICE.    (Dimensions shown in inches.)    Reference Min           Max    Typical    ______________________________________    B         0.500         2.000  1.250    C         3.500         5.500  4.500    D         0.500         3.000  1.500    E         0.063         0.750  0.500    F         1.500         3.250  2.200    G         0.100         2.250  0.500    H         0.063         0.750  0.375    I         0.500         2.500  1.375    J         0.100         0.750  0.125    K         0.100         0.600  0.375    L         0.125         0.750  0.375    M         0.500         1.750  1.125    N         0.250         1.500  0.750    O         0.000         1.500  0.750    P         0.000         4.000  3.000    Q         0.000         1.250  0.750    R         0.125         0.500  0.250    S         2.000         4.200  3.250    T         2.000         4.200  2.750    U         0.125         1.500  0.750    V         0.006         0.500  0.200    W         0.131         2.000  0.950    X         0.004         0.375  0.100    ______________________________________

I claim:
 1. A method of using a computer pointing devicecomprising:using a hand support device to limit movement of saidcomputer pointing device to a first field of motion wherein said firstfield of motion is used for fine movement of said computer pointingdevice wherein said hand support device positions a user's hand (i) in asame plane as said computer pointing device, and (ii) in a neutralposition with said user's palm resting on said surface with a wrist anda forearm of said user aligned substantially in a straight line along alongitudinal axis of said wrist and said forearm, while limiting saidmovement of said computer pointing device to said first field of motion;and moving said hand support device and said computer pointing device inunison within a second field of motion wherein said second field ofmotion is used for coarse movement of said computer pointing device. 2.The method of claim 1 further comprising:separating a thumb supportregion and a little finger support region of said hand support device byan opening wherein said opening limits movements of said computerpointing device to said first field of motion.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising:positioning a surface between said thumb supportregion and said little finger support region of said hand support devicewherein said surface bounds said opening and further wherein saidsurface is a control surface.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein saidcontrol surface includes a portion of a perimeter surface.
 5. The methodof claim 3 wherein said control surface includes an inner cavity surfaceformed by extending another surface of said hand support device oversaid opening to form a cavity.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein saidcontrol surface includes an inner cavity surface formed by extendinganother surface of said hand support device over said opening to form acavity.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:shaping a surface ofsaid hand support device to permit grasping said computer pointingdevice while resting a hand on said hand support device and then movingsaid hand support device and said computer pointing device in unisonwithin said second field of motion.
 8. A method for facilitatingmultiple fields of motion in using a computer pointing devicecomprising:separating a thumb support region and a little finger supportregion of a hand support device by an opening wherein said openinglimits movement of said computer pointing device to a first field ofmotion wherein said first field of motion is used for fine movement ofsaid computer pointing device; and shaping a surface of said handsupport device to permit grasping said computer pointing device whileresting a hand on said hand support device and then moving of said handsupport device and said computer pointing device in unison within asecond field of motion wherein said second field of motion is used forcoarse movement of said computer pointing device and further whereinsaid hand support device positions a user's hand (i) in a same plane assaid computer pointing device, and (ii) in a neutral position with saiduser's palm resting on said surface with a wrist and a forearm of saiduser aligned substantially in a straight line along a longitudinal axisof said wrist and said forearm.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising:positioning a surface between said thumb support region andsaid little finger support region of said hand support device whereinsaid surface bounds said opening and further wherein said surface is acontrol surface.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said control surfaceincludes a portion of a perimeter surface.
 11. The method of claim 9wherein said control surface includes an inner cavity surface formed byextending another surface of said hand support device over said openingto form a cavity.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein said controlsurface includes an inner cavity surface formed by extending anothersurface of said hand support device over said opening to form a cavity.13. The method of claim 8 wherein said shaping furthercomprises:extending said thumb support region and said little fingersupport region from a palm support region of said hand support devicewherein said palm support, little finger support, and thumb supportregions position a hand of a user resting on said hand support device sothat said user can grasp said computer pointing device and move saidcomputer pointing device and said hand support device in unison withinsaid second field of motion.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein saidshaping further comprises:inclining said palm support region in adirection from said little finger support region to said thumb supportregion.
 15. The method of claim 8 wherein said shaping furthercomprises:inclining a palm support region in a direction from saidlittle finger support region to said thumb support region.
 16. Themethod of claim 8 wherein said shaping further comprises:placing a firsttactile index along a palm support region and said thumb support regionof said hand support device.
 17. The method of claim 8 wherein saidshaping further comprises:placing a tactile index between said littlefinger support region and said thumb support region, and along a side ofa palm support region closest to said computer pointing device.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 wherein said shaping further comprises:placing asecond tactile index between said little finger support region and saidthumb support region, and along a side of said palm support regionclosest to said computer pointing device.
 19. The method of claim 15wherein said shaping further comprises:placing a first tactile indexalong said palm support region and said thumb support region of saidhand support device.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said shapingfurther comprises:placing a second tactile index between said littlefinger support region and said thumb support region, and along a side ofsaid palm support region closest to said computer pointing device.